“The festival is growing in popularity, a lot of that by mouth,” said festival committee chair Barbara Riddle.

This year’s Frisbee activities will be on a professional scale, she said, and will include fun options for teens.

Festival hours are 5-10 p.m. Friday, noon-10 p.m. Saturday and noon-9 p.m. on Sunday. It costs $10 per carload to cross the causeway into Antelope Island State Park and $15 per carload for entrance into the festival.

In addition to seeing the balloons, students will have a chance to see elaborate kites flown up close, over their heads in school gymnasiums, Riddle said.

Among the many bands scheduled to perform are Dance Doctors, on Friday from 7:30-9:30 p.m.; Groove Merchants in that time slot on Saturday, and Diamond Xperience: Neil Diamond Tribute Band, on Sunday, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

That’s in addition to other local bands and entertainment.

Strong cooperation exists between local communities, she said. For example, the Layton Marathon has been expanded to Layton/Syracuse and will take place Saturday morning.

Weather permitting, the festival’s inaugural balloon launch will take place on the island Friday at 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday morning launches at 7 a.m. each day will originate at Ponds’ Park in Kaysville, which is generally more conducive to morning launches, Riddle said.

Saturday and Sunday 6:30 p.m. launches on the island are also planned, weather permitting.

As far as other activities, the Kids’ Tent has been expanded and there will be more activities for that age group, Riddle said.

There will be kite demonstrations, BMX bicycle stunt show Saturday at 3 p.m., a chalk activity, a pie eating contest, and plenty of vendors on hand with everything from food to arts and crafts.

Dry weather conditions and budgeting decisions mean there will be no fireworks display, Riddle said.

Those visiting the festival are encouraged to tour the island, where there are 36 miles of hiking trails, the Fielding Garr Ranch’s new merchant’s store, the visitor center, and a chance to see bison and many other animals and plants.